Millennials lead workplace AI adoption while guiding younger peers

Millennials are embracing AI in the workplace more fully than any other generation, according to a new survey by Slack, a Salesforce company.

The research found that one in three workers between the ages of 28 and 43 use generative AI tools daily, while one in four (25%) rely on them multiple times per week. Millennials are also more likely to understand and trust AI agents, positioning them as the most advanced generation in using the technology to boost productivity, automate routine tasks, and take on more strategic responsibilities.

Although Generation Z is not far behind in adopting these tools—and are already ahead of older colleagues in their workplace use of AI—companies are yet to fully harness the skills and experience their newest hires bring.

“Gen Z is using AI a lot for educational and personal projects,” said Lucas Puente, Vice President of Research for Slack. “But when it comes to the workforce, they haven’t established the same level of comfort.”

This gap is where millennials are emerging as a valuable training asset. More seasoned in both work and technology, they can help newer recruits establish the judgement needed to use AI responsibly and effectively.

“A key thing millennials can teach their newest coworkers is good judgment,” explained Jenny Simmons, Vice President and Global Head of Enterprise Learning at Salesforce. “Gen Z must learn how to set boundaries around technology, when they can trust what the AI is telling them, and when to be sceptical. That usually requires deep expertise in subject areas that newer hires have yet to acquire.

“Team members need to understand which tools they should be using, where they’re allowed to put sensitive data into the system and where they shouldn’t. The cohort that’s been in the office for a while will know the types of outputs the company is looking for and how to check that against what things like AI agents are doing.”

Beyond technical skills, the study highlights the importance of workplace relationships. Developing strong connections across different departments will be key to the success of younger employees.

“When you come out of university and into a large company, one of the first things you need to learn is why networking is so important,” said Gemma Quinn, Salesforce’s Vice President of Global University Recruiting. “When people sign on for their first full-time jobs at Salesforce, we set up networking events for them to meet with people who work in different groups across the company. And it just evolves from there.”

Millennials, having built their careers during times of rapid technological change, can also help reassure Gen Z employees that AI should be viewed as an enabler rather than a threat.

“AI will not eliminate entry-level jobs, but it will cause these jobs to evolve,” Quinn added. “But newly hired employees will be able to do a lot more than they could even a few years ago because of this technology.”